The history and practice of Industrial Design in Victoria Australia is my research interest and this blog include posts related to this interest as well as my practice as a designer and design educator.

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

The industrial design graduate exhibition NOW at MADA Monash Art Design and Architecture has this week been busy with visits by industry, alumni, school visits, and candidates attending interviews for MADA programs.

The industrial design team from O-I Glass visited and were particularly interested in the emerging influence of 3D printing and the impact these new tools are having on design process. Senior designer Julian Ditchburn commended the MADA student work on display and the team were also interested in research activities of post graduate students. Dr Stephen Wang presented work of students in the International Tangible Interaction Design Lab that has potential applications in the design of glass packaging.

MADA industrial design lecturer Mark Richardson shared details of the many student projects that have embraced the maker movement and discussed in particular the prosthesis project by Rowan Page.

Sketching and sketching techniques are vital skills for industrial designers and automotive designers.

The final model or prototype in a graduate exhibition is the result of hours of creative design work and these sketches by MADA Monash University industrial design graduate Frederik Dallmeyer share some of the skills and techniques he has developed in his undergraduate studies. The Paraton-e project is the development of award winning work by Frederik as part of the GM PACE program. Presented in July the project was awarded most innovative concept for future transport design.

Monday, 26 November 2012

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Saturday, 24 November 2012

If you are interested in studying industrial design for most universities you will need to prepare a folio and attend an interview. The selection interview for industrial design programs will require some preparation so here are a few tips.

Industry knowledge:
Select one or two designers or companies and know a little about their work. Select designers that interest you and work that is the type of design you are interested in.

The career:
Industrial designers work in many disciplines and across a broad spectrum of industries. What is your interest? Product, Automotive, Furniture, Exhibition, Interaction, Lighting, Service/Systems, Eco/Sustainability. Share your interest and knowledge of this field of industrial design.

Industrial Design History:
Some knowledge of the history of industrial design is helpful. (see tabs in this blog: 1950s, 1960s etc)

Alumni and Employers:
Who are the companies that employ graduate industrial designers from the program? Research alumni and where they are working.

Knowledge of the program and institution:
Identify what is unique with each program and ask questions that demonstrate your interest in this offering.

Your Folio:
Your freehand sketches and drawings are important because they represent your potential to think in 3D. Rough creative concept sketches offer a very personal insight into your potential in an interview that is about exactly that....your potential. Don't judge your drawing....let the interview panel see your raw potential.

Your folio may have projects you have completed as part of your formal studies. Think about design projects you have done in your own time and because you are 'already a designer'. Made a birthday present for someone, made an item of clothing or a costume, decorated a room. What demonstrates your passion for design?

Open Day and Exhibitions:
Ensure you mention your attendance at Open Days and exhibitions and discuss your impressions of work on display.

Industrial Design Courses in Victoria
Monash University
RMIT University
Swinburne University

How to use this blog:
Search box (type your search topic) - Top left e.g. sketch, keep cup, Mark Armstrong
Tags: Topics have been tagged see right column: Design Icons, Monash,
Company logo links will provide background to industry leaders - right column
Google image search: Most of the posts have images and a google image search on 'industrial design in victoria' will offer many options from the blog topics and previous posts.

I wish all applicants well in interviews and every success in your chosen area of study.

Friday, 23 November 2012

Mike Chester from GM Design visited the MADA Monash Industrial Design Exhibition this week. Mike lectures in the Clay Modelling Studio and the outstanding skills and techniques developed in the studio are evident in the final project models on display in the graduate exhibition.

Thursday, 22 November 2012

Monash University conducted a workshop with students enrolled in the Master of Industrial Design (Double Masters) at the Southeast University Monash University Joint Graduate School Suzhou in China. Program Director Ian Wong conducted several studio sessions with students and in particular explored social media and online tools for blended learning.

Students use of social media platforms QQ and Weibo during the studio workshops enhanced learning and provided real time sharing of individual class work activity. The QQ feed is then able to be shared and used for reflective learning in the non contact period.

I was delighted to see the chair designed by Zhang Zhoujie in the 3rd Art & Science International Exhibition in Beijing recently. I first met designer Zhang Zhoujie in Milan at Salone Satellite 2012 and posted about his innovative furniture. In July we caught up in Shanghai and so it was great to see the recognition of his work by the curators of this major exhibition in Beijing.

Monday, 19 November 2012

RMIT alumnus industrial designer Edward Kayser graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1962.

Ted had been an outstanding student in the Associate Diploma at the Melbourne Technical College (RMIT) and prepared a portfolio to submit for entry into the RCA in 1959 which included a lamp design for the Governor of Victoria Sir Dallas Brooks.

Friends and family bid farewell today to one of Australia's industrial design pioneers Edward Robert James Kayser in a wonderful service at the Christ Church Longford Tasmania. I was honoured to represent the Design Institute of Australia and Monash University and pay tribute to Ted's service to education and the profession and to share with all his significant contribution to industrial design in Australia.

About Me

Ian Wong is an industrial designer with over twenty five years of professional practice experience. Ian is Program Director - Master of Industrial Design at MADA Monash University. This double masters degree is delivered at the SouthEast University Monash University Joint Graduate School (Suzhou) in China. Ian has worked previously as design manager for Outerspace Design and Silvan Australia, and lectured also at RMIT and Swinburne Universities. Ian is a councilor of the Design Institute of Australia and President of Melbourne Movement.